Arts

The research is clear: Arts education provides significant benefits for a child’s learning. According to a study out of Mississippi State University, a well-implemented arts program can increase standardized test scores of disadvantaged students. Yes, that’s right. The arts are good for you! Whether fine-tuning motor skills while painting, building communication skills with drama, or experiencing the thrilling teamwork needed to perform an orchestral or choral piece, AISJ students are exposed to a world of creativity, which will help them blossom into creative thinkers and productive citizens.

We are passionate about the benefits of an arts education, which is why each student has to take a prescribed number of Arts credits as a graduation requirement. Our department has rigorous and expansive offerings in music (band, orchestra, choir), theatre (performance & stagecraft), and art (including AP). The department organizes concerts, art exhibits, plays, and musicals, which takes the theory from the classrooms and puts it into practice. Travel opportunities are available in the various arts as our school networks with other schools and organizations in the Middle East and beyond to provide additional collaboration experiences.

Art, music, and drama are mediums which help us understand the world in which we live. These subjects break down cultural barriers through the commonality we all feel when we see a masterful painting, or hear a passionate piece of music, or experience a poignant moment of a play. We encourage all AISJ students to delve into the arts, to practice their critical thinking skills, to unleash their creativity, and to work with others on skills that truly make a difference in our lives.

Get ready to be inspired!

About the AISJ Arts Programs

The Art Program at AISJ provides students with an exciting and challenging approach to the visual arts scene. The curriculum offers a diverse selection of courses that facilitate the development of artistic skills, critical thinking, and personal expression. Students learn the process of creating original artwork by using traditional art materials, as well as the latest digital technologies.

While working, students have the opportunity to discover new media, tools, and techniques and apply these newfound skills to both individual and collaborative works of art. Students have access to tools and materials, as well as media labs and traditional fine arts classrooms.

The course objectives include knowledge of art materials and techniques, acquisition and use of art resources, art history, the art of other cultures, art analysis and criticism, and aesthetics.

The goal of the AISJ Choral Department is to transform lives and build community through choral music. The program seeks to inspire students to reach their full potential as individuals, musicians, and as caring, engaged citizens. At each grade level, course content focuses on nurturing healthy vocal technique, teaching musical literacy, and promoting artistic excellence.

Vocal music runs from K-12, and there are two formal concerts on campus each year. Other performance opportunities, like SAIK music festivals, the TAISM Festival of Choirs, and local performances also happen throughout the year.

Sharing and learning about the world through the lens of choral music promotes healthy community and empathy among people of any society. Our school has an exciting group of singers that is growing, and you are invited to join us!

The AISJ Instrumental Music Program is a comprehensive program in which students learn orchestral or band instruments beginning in middle school and continuing through high school. It provides the opportunity for musical development through instrumental instruction in a group setting while also providing ensemble experience to develop community, a sense of teamwork, self-discipline, and performance skills as an integral part of music education. Students participate in Beginning Band or Strings, Concert Band, Advanced Strings, Symphonic Band, and Symphony Orchestra. Ensemble repertoire encompasses a wide variety of styles and is selected for its musical quality and educational and pedagogical value. There are two formal concerts held during the school year, in addition to opportunities to perform in assemblies and other school events throughout the year.

In addition to school ensembles, individual students are encouraged to audition for and participate in music festivals such as the SAIK Honor Bands and the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) Honor Band and Orchestras.

We believe in the transforming power of live theatre. The dramatic arts give students beneficial growth opportunities in a fun and safe environment. Students who study theatre build confidence, expressiveness, and strong communication skills. Lifelong memories and friendships are built through teamwork and collaboration. While theatre provides the community with nights of memorable entertainment, we believe that entertainment is not the end goal. The stories we strive to bring to life on stage moves beyond mere entertainment. They form a way of communicating about the human condition in all its wonder, in all its pain, and in all its diversity. This is our goal—to tell stories that impact us all, actors and audiences alike, and bring out the very best in all of us.

The AISJ Drama Department provides many opportunities for students to explore and practice the dramatic arts. Introductory theatre classes allow students to learn acting skills and the basics elements of theatre. Our Theatre Production and Stagecraft class offers students the skills to build sets and create lighting schemes and sound designs which enhance the magic on stage.

Beyond the classroom, students can choose from a variety of exciting drama opportunities. Improv comedy nights are a great way to try one’s skills at unscripted fun. Semester plays or musicals give many opportunities to perform in original or classic works, performed over multiple nights to the AISJ community. If you like being involved but prefer to stay behind the scenes, there are many opportunities to learn how to be a lighting or sound technician, a costume designer, a makeup artist, or the ever-important stage manager.

All students are welcome and encouraged to enter the magical world of theatre. We believe that once tried, they won’t be able to stay away, and they’ll be a better person for it.